I've been reading a few posts lately about getting gear overseas and what not to try to save some pennies, which I can understand. However, I really need to backup what a few people have been saying about going local.
Long story short, I ordered some gear from Steve and John at Rock Hardware last night, around 4:30pm. It was on my desk at work (school in Dandenong) by Recess today (10:15am). Amazing. This was after a week and half discussion on what my exact needs were and what would suit my situation. There was also an offer to show me personally how to set up this particular system if I made the trip to the shop!
I've ordered gear off these guys before but the level of service and customer satisfaction is off the charts for this particular order. Hats off the Steve and John, well done! For everyone else, if you can afford a few extra bucks the service is well worth the price difference and postage and wait time on delivery and possible lost in post and limited warranty... that you might get with online shopping. My two cents anyway.

I have very nearly posted such comments in the other threads of overseas purchases.

Despite having worked in retail, I don't encourage frequenting Australian retailers simply for its own sake. Competition helps consumers. However after postage costs are considered the savings from buying from the US are small. To me it seems to me much better getting it from local retailers like Steve which offer good friendly service.

The 'other Steve', at Climbing Anchors, is also fantastic with great customer service, prompt (free) delivery, and communication if there is going to be any kind of delay (which is rare). Oh yeah, awesome prices too.

On 14/11/2012 Will_P wrote:>The 'other Steve', at Climbing Anchors, is also fantastic with great customer>service, prompt (free) delivery, and communication if there is going to>be any kind of delay (which is rare). Oh yeah, awesome prices too.